Chapter Two

(Leo's POV)

I watch as Violet is dragged away by her domineering aunt. As the events of the day replay in my mind, and the image of her tear stained face lingers, a stern looking man walks toward me.

“Father, I can explain,” I start to say before he holds up a hand and squints, his expression blank. Disappointment is evident in his eyes and I brace for the onslaught of criticism he has lined up for me.

“You know better than this, Leo,” he begins with a cold edge as he continues with the usual lectures. “The company's image is what makes us move forward. If news got out that your bride tried to flee, we would be a laughing stock. I'm only allowing this union because her father was an executive director and you need their trust. Don't let anything like this happen again.”

“Yes, father. I will personally see to it that Ms. Bennet goes through with the wedding,” I respond with a distant monotone.

“You better. I didn't raise you to be a failure,” he spouts before wobbling back to the car.  Standing in the cold salty air,  the orange sky signaled the ending of an unfortunate day and the start of endless problems.

On the evening of the next day, I head up the stairs till I’m standing in front of Violet's door. To keep the whispers to a minimum, Violet and her aunt were staying in the mansion until the wedding was confirmed once more. “Be charming and relaxed,” I repeat in my head before progressing. 

“Ms. Bennet?” I ask while knocking on the hard surface. When no reply is heard, I knock a few more times. On the fourth attempt when there was still no answer, I gingerly opened the door only to find the room vacant. 

Traipsing back downstairs, a glimpse of a black haired head catches my attention and I see Violet's figure walking in the distance. “Ms. Bennet!” I shout whilst exiting through the backdoor, causing her to turn around in alarm. “Wait, just give me a minute.”

“Why? Why should I listen to you after what you didn't say that day?! Was it fun messing with me, the naive woman you were to marry? I suppose you wealthy billionaires have no problem toying with other's emotions, ” she questions and accuses one after another, each one growing more upset.

 I shake my head, the words I had carefully planned out all vanishing from my mind at the sight of her harsh expression. 

“Ms. Bennet, please just give me a moment to elaborate,” I pleaded, my hands finding their way through my disheveled hair. She glares with those amazing brown eyes and I find myself reaching for her hand. Violet twitches slightly as I carefully lift her hand and place a soft kiss on the pale skin.

“I should have told you. I'm sorry, but you were just not what I expected and it made me curious.” She squints at my words and tilts her head, a quizzical look gracing her features. My heart aches as her eyes meet mine and I almost feel bad about lying.

 “Can we try this again? With proper introductions this time perhaps?”  I suggest in a light tone, desperately hoping she agrees.

“Yeah, I guess. It's not like I have any better options,” she finally responded after a few nerve wracking minutes. We stand in awkward silence before I break out in a smile. Violet cutely looks away, a light blush evident on her pale skin as she tries to hide behind her hair. She pulls her hand away, leaving mine now feeling far too empty, and begins walking toward the mansion for dinner. 

The next day, I purposely linger in the kitchen as the morning turns to afternoon. The slight pang of guilt I feel occasionally is forced down with the expectations I am to meet. Any feelings of compassion have been gone from my being for a long time, so I have no reason to start now.

Gentle footsteps are heard approaching and I quickly take my place at the fridge, trying to look natural. Violet turns the corner and immediately pauses, clearly surprised by my presence. “Good afternoon,” I greet while sipping my coffee. “Did you sleep well?”

“More or less,” she hesitantly responds, walking toward the table. I quickly walk beside her and try to make small talk. 

 “Would you care to join me for lunch?” I offer. Violet seems to know what I’m up to, but still nods in acceptance, earning a genuine smile. 

“Ah, my favorite. How about you? What food do you often like?” I inquire as we sit down to plates filled with club sandwiches and chips.

“Just stuff,” Violet vaguely replies, her eyes never meeting mine. 

“Well isn't this a sight,” Bella comments as she enters. “Not even two days later and the runaway couple is having a meal together. How adorable!”

Her personality came off as fake as her eyelashes, but she seemed to be helping with my goal anyway. I force a smile, only to see Violet shooting daggers at the both of us. “We're not a couple, Aunt Bella,” Violet aggressively states. 

“Yes, you are. The wedding is in the will. You wouldn't want to deny their final wishes, would you?” Bella mockingly questions, her tone showing no sign of sentiment. 

“If only it had been me,” I hear Violet mumble between bites of sandwich. This throws me off guard and I stare at the miserable looking woman across from me.

“Ms. Bennet?” I ask nervously, trying to shift the topic of conversation to something else. She hums in response, not bothering to look up. “May I ask you to accompany me to work tomorrow?” 

This question gets her attention as she shoots me a very skeptical look. “Why?” Violet inquiries with extreme caution and I chuckle at her frowning face. Even when she's grumpy she looks absolutely beautiful. 

“That is a wonderful idea, Mr. Whitlock!” Bella’s voice exclaims. “Showing off your wealth and reliable work ethic might convince this sorry lady to behave for once.” Glares are exchanged between the two women once more and I start to realize a mistake in timing. 

“The office is where I spend most of my time. You might like to see the view from the top floor,” I ramable in cool toned nervousness. Violet looks away and through the window's reflection I spot her conflicted eyes. 

“Alright. Tomorrow it is then, Leo” she replies, her frown overriding the previous conflict I had witnessed.

“Good and I hope to hear pleasant tales of your future plans upon return, dear Vee,” Bella confidently states as she saunters out of the kitchen. 

“And I hope that a meteor hits the Earth before morning,” Violet mocks before abruptly exiting out the side door.

Left alone with my now cold coffee, I can't help but think, “Oh, this is gonna be harder than I thought.”